European Rivers - Rivers of Europe, Map of Rivers in Europe, Major Rivers in Europe - Worldatlas.com print this map Hundreds of rivers and their tributaries cross the European continent. Here we highlight those over 600 miles in length, and a few others of note. DANUBE: Beginning in the Black Forest region of Germany, it flows across central Europe and the countries of Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Yugoslavia. It then forms the border between Romania and Bulgaria, turning north across Romania to eventually end in the Black Sea. It is (1,771 miles) (2,850 km) in length, and one of the most significant commercial waterways on the continent. DNIEPER: Rising in the southwestern part of the Russian Federation, it flows generally south through Belarus, then southeast through Ukraine, ending in the Black Sea. Overall it's (1,420 miles) (2,285 km) in length. DON: Beginning it the southwestern Russian Federation, to the south of Moscow, it flows southeasterly towards the Volga, then turns abruptly west, ending in the Sea of Azov.

Overall it's (1,224 miles) (1,969 km) in length. ELBE: Rising in the Czech Republic, the Elbe River then flows north through Germany, ending in the North Sea near Cuxhaven. It's (724 miles) (1,165 km) in length. LOIRE: Recognized as the longest river in France, the navigable Loire begins in the foothills of the Massif Central, then flows north and west across the heartland of France, finally ending in the Bay of Biscay. It's (634 miles) (1,020 km) in length. ODER: Rising in the rugged mountains of the eastern Czech Republic, it flows west and north through south-central Poland, eventually emptying into the Baltic Sea. It's (567 miles) (912 km) in length. PO: Italy's longest river begins in the upper reaches of the Alps, flowing west to east across northern Italy, ending in the Adriatic Sea. It's (405 miles) (652 km) in length.

RHINE: Forming in the mountains of southeastern Switzerland, this legendary river flows west, forming Switzerland's northeastern border with Germany, then runs directly north through western Germany forming part of that country's border with France, then finally dissecting the Netherlands and ending in the North Sea. Numerous tributaries and branches run in all directions, and in overall length is (820 miles) (1,319 km). RHONE: Begin high in the Swiss Alps, this fast moving river flows into the eastern end of Lake Geneva, then south through south-eastern France, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Small branches run in all directions, and in overall length, it's (300 miles) (485 km). SHANNON: Rising in northwestern Ireland, it flows south through a series of lakes, then turns west to eventually empty into the Atlantic Ocean. It's 230 miles (370 km) in length. TAGUS: The Tagus River rises in the central highlands of Spain, flowing southwest across Portugal, then south to Lisbon and the Atlantic Ocean. It's 626 miles (1,007 km) in length.

VOLGA: The Volga is the largest river in European Russia in terms of length, discharge, and watershed. It flows through central Russia, and is widely viewed as the national river of Russia. It's 3,692 km (2,294 mi) long River Tagus - definition of River Tagus by The Free Dictionary River Tagus - definition of River Tagus by The Free Dictionary Related to River Tagus: Rio Tejo , Tajo River Ta·gus (tā′gəs) also Ta·jo (tä′hō) A river of the Iberian Peninsula rising in east-central Spain and flowing generally westward about 1005 km (625 mi) through central Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean. Tagus (ˈteɪɡəs) n (Placename) a river in SW Europe, rising in E central Spain and flowing west to the border with Portugal, then southwest to the Atlantic at Lisbon: the longest river of the Iberian Peninsula. Length: 1007 km (626 miles). Portuguese name: Tejo Spanish name: Tajo Ta•gus (ˈteɪ gəs) n.

a river in SW Europe, flowing W through central Spain and Portugal to the Atlantic at Lisbon. 566 mi. (910 km) long. Tagus River Portugal , Portuguese Republic - a republic in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; Portuguese explorers and colonists in the 15th and 16th centuries created a vast overseas empire (including Brazil) Espana , Kingdom of Spain , Spain - a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; a former colonial power Translations Tagus [ˈteɪgəs] N → Tajo m Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: Tejo References in classic literature ?

Malo; but being forced into Lisbon by bad weather, the ship received some damage by running aground in the mouth of the river Tagus, and was obliged to unload her cargo there; but finding a Portuguese ship there bound for the Madeiras, and ready to sail, and supposing he should meet with a ship there bound to Martinico, he went on board, in order to sail to the Madeiras; but the master of the Portuguese ship being but an indifferent mariner, had been out of his reckoning, and they drove to Fayal; where, however, he happened to find a very good market for his cargo, which was corn, and therefore resolved not to go to the Madeiras, but to load salt at the Isle of May, and to go away to Newfoundland. CHRISTOPHER CLUBHOUSE; Kevin Price is inspired by seafarers as he tees off on Lisbon's glorious golfing coast Our hotel room overlooked the River Tagus, the hills to the south veiled in thin, low cloud that would soon disappear, ensuring we enjoyed wall-to-wall sunshine as we began our walking tour of the city, mindful that one of travel's great pleasures is happening upon little-known features almost by mistake. Walking Lisbon...

it's a capital idea; PETER SHARKEY finds his weekend in the Portugese city is an uplifting experience This agreement is to define the specifications governing the Services Coordination safety and health during the maintenance of the works for the Automatic Hydrological Information System (SAIH) in the river Tagus, as well as assistance during design and construction phases of the works entrusted to the SAIH Service Tagus River Basin for 36 months, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Services engagement health and safety coordination The arch has just been renovated and opened to the public, and the views over the River Tagus are spectacular. Historic city for culture vultures; FIONA PARKER takes a short break in Lisbon, and finds that the Portuguese city is a capital idea Built on seven hills along the banks of the River Tagus, the vibrant Portuguese capital has something for everyone – historic castles, tiled Azulejos architecture, culture, cuisine, family fun, beach, shopping and night life.

Tagus 3.7.2 Institutional Structures and Policies 3.7.2.1 Institutional Structures The Tagus basin is managed by a basin organisation in Spain, the "Confederacion Hidrografica de Tajo" (CHT), and by the National Institute for Water, INAG in Portugal, harmonising the management by three Regional Water Departments. In 1998 the Luso-Spanish Convention on the use of shared rivers came into effect. This replaced the earlier agreements of 1964 for the Douro river and of 1968 for the remaining shared rivers, in which the Tagus was included. The new agreement is a more modern one aiming at the sustainable use of water and the protection of the water quality in the shared rivers. Detailed regulations for minimum flows in the Tagus are part of the Additional Protocol to the Convention. This stipulates a minimum annual flow at the downstream border of 2700 hm3 with derogation in case of a dry year (precipitation from October to March <60% than the average of the wet semester, or <70% if annual rainfall in the previous year is <80% than the average) [28] .

The Convention is not basin-specific but deals with all basins, and regulates the sharing of water and the protection of its quality. No operational secretariat exists in the sense of the example of the ICPR, but co-operation is stimulated by regulating information exchange and consultation mechanisms. There is a bilateral Committee for the Application and Development of the Convention that acts as a working group of the superior body, the Ministerial Conference. One distinct characteristic of the Convention is that the operational structure for water-quantity management (water sharing, flood warning) is much more developed than that for water-quality management. 3.7.2.2 Policies Given the objective of improvement of water quality in general, in the case of Spain defined in the form of quality objectives for each stretch of the river for drinking-water production, the countries have adopted policies to decrease the discharge of effluents to the surface-water system. In Spain and Portugal, all the EC Directives have been incorporated into the legislation. Quality objectives for each stretch of the river depend on the designated water use in a defined stretch and quality objectives are according to the requirements of the corresponding EC Directive.

The policy to decrease the discharge of effluents to the surface water system was laid down in decree DL152/97, stipulating that no later than by the end of 2005 all settlements with more than 2000 inhabitants must have realised the prescribed treatment capacity. For settlements with more than 15,000 inhabitants, this date is set at the end of 2000. With respect to pollution licenses for the discharge of industrial waste water in Portugal, the situation is poor in the sense that only a small fraction of industrial sites actually have pollution licenses, and an even smaller fraction actually monitors its discharges as prescribed. Considering that the legislation regulating the discharges of different sources of pollutants mostly originates from the late 1990s, it can be expected that this policy will bear results in the short to medium term. 3.7.3 Environmental Issues 3.7.3.1 Hydromorphology and Flow Regulation One characteristic of the Tagus basin is the proliferation of small, medium and large dams and their corresponding reservoirs. The total storage capacity is 14 km3, or 74% of average annual runoff in the basin.

In the largest part of the basin natural flow conditions have now been replaced by regulated flow conditions. The impact of this ongoing process of flow regulation on the morphology of the river as well as on the aquatic and other ecosystems in the river basin has not been well studied. 3.7.3.2 Water quality The main environmental pressures on the river are caused by pollution from industrial and municipal point sources and diffuse sources. Figures 3.7.2 and 3.7.3 show the numbers of municipal and industrial point sources and the percent of area of each type of land use considered as diffuse sources in the Portuguese basin of the Tagus river. Table 3.7.1 shows estimated total loads for some parameters (BOD, COD, TSS, P and N). The general classification of water quality that is used in Portugal (see par. 3.7.5 ) indicates the very bad state of the river Tagus. In the National Water Plan a classification was established on the basis of the annual classification with 9 parameters. Of the 43 classified stations, 84% had categories D or E, being very polluted or extremely polluted. The border station generally classifies as extremely polluted.

With respect to eutrophication in Portuguese reservoirs, the Basin Plan [27] presents a classification of 28 reservoirs, out of which 32% were classified hyper-eutrophic, 46% were classified eutrophic, and 22% were classified as mesotrophic. In Spain, 42% of the 133 classified reservoirs were found to be eutrophic. These figures are difficult to compare since both countries use different eutrophication classification systems. The Basin Plan for Portugal signals a significant number of cases in which the legal requirements for water quality related to potable water production, irrigation and swimming purposes, are not met (information of 1994-1997). On the Spanish side, some 79% of water intakes in reservoirs present a water quality inferior to the legal requirements for the production of potable water. Metals are not considered to be a problem in the basin. For organic micropollutants the situation is difficult to assess since data is scarce.

As an illustration of the development of water quality, the dissolved oxygen concentrations in two key stations on the river are shown below ( Figures 3.7.4 and 3.7.5 ). The station Valada is close to the Tagus estuary, while Perais is close to the border with Spain. 3.7.4 Monitoring programmes 3.7.4.1 Routine monitoring The quantity and quality routine monitoring networks for surface waters implemented in the Tagus river are shown in table 3.7.2 : In Portugal the monitoring programmes developed by INAG, are implemented by three Regional Environment and Land Use Planning Departments (DRAOT) sharing the basin's management. The routine monitoring of water-quality parameters in the basin came into operation in the beginning of the 1990s. In Spain the routine monitoring of water-quality parameters is implemented by CHT. Water-quality monitoring is not standardised, neither between the countries nor within the countries. For example in Portugal, the water-quality stations in the main river have different sets of parameters that are being monitored, depending on the DRAOT under whose responsibility they fall.

The sampling frequency is monthly and the measured parameters are dependent on the specific objectives attributed to each station, such as water supply, border inflow control, environmental impact, flow, reference status and fish life. These objectives were selected based on the human pressures and on the water uses according to the Decree Law 236/98 (see par.3.7.2). A minimum package of 20 parameters monitored in all stations. These include general parameters (pH, temp., EC, TDS), oxygen-related determinands (saturation, BOD, COD), nutrients (NH4, PO4, NO3), bacteriological determinands (total and faecal coliforms, faecal streptococcus) and some metals (Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, Hg). The stations under jurisdiction of DRAOT Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (green in the map) are presently the only ones where some pesticides, herbicides and industrial chemicals like PCBs are also monitored since 1999.

This situation however is changing due to the restructuring of the monitoring activities currently under way by INAG, that will harmonise the water-quality monitoring programmes in all DRAOTs in accordance with EU requirements. Figure 3.7.6 shows the water-quality network for the Tagus river basin in Portugal. The names of stations mentioned are the names of the stations at the main river (Perais, Barca da Amieira, Alb de Belver, Tramagal, Almourol, Omnias and Valada-Tejo), one in the Erges river, a tributary of the Tagus, one at the border (Segura) and one at the reservoir which is the main water supply source to Lisbon (Alb. Castelo de Bode). More information concerning both water quality and quantity for the Tagus basin's surface waters as well as its groundwater can be accessed directly from a database available through the Portuguese site Water quality has been systematically controlled in Spain since 1962, when the COCA Network was created, made up of a series of 50 control stations for the whole basin, where periodic sampling was carried out to control 19 parameters.

This Network has grown over time and is currently made up of 403 stations which are classified according to their control objectives, as follows: Pre-treatment Network made up of 57 periodic sampling stations in water collection points for towns with more than 10,000 inhabitants and another 346 water collection points for towns with less than 10,000 inhabitants. Here approximately 40 parameters are monitored. Fishing Resources Network, which has 15 control stations. Here 17 parameters are monitored. In 1993 the ICA Network was created incorporating 157 periodic sampling stations, with stations that form three networks: Basic General Quality network (20 parameters), Complete General Quality network (40 parameters) and European Economic Community network (18 parameters). Figure 3.7.7 shows where these stations are located. Its objective is to control water quality for water supply, bathing and fish resources. Finally, and within the framework of the SAICA project, 31 automatic alert stations have been set up which provide continuous information on several quality parameters and transmit data in real time to the Control and decision-taking Centre.

These stations are located at key points (see Figure 3.7.8 ), such as the connection points for supplying towns and cities, where it is important to detect a change in any of the quality parameters immediately, so as to be able to take corrective action immediately. The introduction of an Automatic Hydrological Information System (SAIH) in the Tagus Basin began in 1995 and went into operation in 1998. The SAIH PROGRAM had been launched throughout the Spanish peninsula ten years earlier. The program started in the Mediterranean basins, which are the ones, which suffer from the greatest irregularity in rainfall levels, with long periods of shortage alternating with torrential rains with catastrophic effects. The SAIH is made up of a hydrological-hydraulic data collection and real-time transmission network and a system for storing and processing the information received, which makes it possible to implement the most suitable measures to reduce catastrophic effects of flooding.

The SAIH in the Tagus Basin has an information network made up of 202 control points (see Figure 3.7.9 ) distributed along its path, a satellite transmission system, three Operational Centres, four Data Presentation Centres and the Control Centre for the basin, situated in Madrid. Its purpose is flood prevention and to improve the way the hydraulic systems are used in order to save water and ensure an efficient supply system. The control network is made up of 43 rainfall measurement points, 18 rain and snow checkpoints, 47 reservoirs, 52 river gauges, 7 flood control points, 22 network control points and 12 thrust control points. A series of sensors is installed in each control point to collect and transmit data relating to rain - whether liquid or solid -, water levels, moving flows, the position of valves and floodgates and other variables which allow those concerned to know, in real time, the hydrological and hydraulic condition of the basin. No specific monitoring programme for sediments is operated on a basin-wide level. Eco-toxicological tests are not performed routinely.

Monitoring information is published on the Internet in both countries, and presented to the public in electronic form, either in digest format and reports or directly from the database. The Portuguese site ( ) is fully operational, as is the Spanish site ( hispagua.cedex.es ). 3.7.4.2 Early-warning Systems On the basis of the Luso-Spanish Convention INAG, and CHT operate early-warning system for water quantity (flood warning) and water quality (pollution accidents). This early-warning system is largely geared towards flood warning, with the monitoring system and warning protocols well developed. The system is less developed for water quality and pollution events. No information was available with respect to the communication infrastructure of authorities between the countries and within the countries in case of pollution events, or of protocols for emergency actions. An emergency plan for dams is now in preparation in Spain. Specific monitoring stations for this purpose have been recently installed. 3.7.5 Assessment Methodologies Water-quality directives from the EU have been incorporated into the national systems in both countries. For example, the Directive 75/440/EEC has been incorporated into both Portuguese and Spanish legislation concerning the classification of surface water for the production of potable water.

Three classes are distinguished, for which different treatment methods are prescribed by law. In Spain, water-quality objectives have been defined in terms of these potable water production suitability classes, and a map of the Tagus and its tributaries indicating the desired suitability class of the various stretches is the basis for water-quality management. In Portugal the classification system adopted by INAG is not an index but a classification system with 5 different classes, according to different water uses, following Decree no 236/98. In Portugal, the INAG developed a system for water-quality classification for routine management and information for the public in general. The classification of surface water for multiple uses makes use of monthly data and is based on 27 parameters. It distinguishes five pollution classes, ranging from unpolluted (A) to extremely polluted (E). It is presented in Annex 3.7.1 . In terms of legal compliance, the classification follows the Decree Law 236/98 according the water uses. For eutrophication of reservoirs, the classification used is based on the OECD methodology with some adjustments.

The system is based on seven parameters (PO4, average chlorophyll, maximum chlorophyll, average annual transparency, minimum transparency, abundance, DO). In Spain, quality objectives for each section of the rivers have been set based on the designated use: water supply (S1, S2 and S3), Fishing Resources (Salmonicolas (S), Ciprinicolas (C) and waters suitable for Bathing (B), establishing the concentrations of BOD5, suspended solids, N-NH4, P-PTOTAL. Annex 3.7.2 shows these objectives per river. 3.7.6 Environmental Status 3.7.6.1 Hydromorphology The morphology of the river system has changed profoundly with the construction of a large number of dams, creating reservoirs ranging from small to very large. As a result, flow conditions have changed from natural to regulated. Only exceptional precipitation events now lead to flood situations. The influence of the reservoirs and the changed flow conditions on the ecological system of the Tagus river have been profound, but systematic data are not available.

3.7.6.2 Water Quality In tables 3.7.3 and 3.7.4, the annual classification of the surface-water quality for multiple purposes (as used by INAG for the border station at Perais and at Valada, upstream the estuary) is presented for the period 1995-2000. This classification is based on monthly values for each parameter sampled. The methodology used is to consider the C95 of each parameter. The final classification is made on basis of the worst parameter. The water quality at Perais, at the border, is relatively poor, especially because of the nutrient load that increased significantly in the last years. The Valada sampling station controls the water-supply source to Lisbon. In general this station presents better water quality than Perais. The problems here are due to microbiological pollution rather than nutrient load. 3.7.6.3 Ecology With respect to the biological status, very little systematic information could be found.

The Basin Plan of the Portuguese stretch of the river presents only lists of "best conserved" and "recovering" basin habitats and ecosystems, mentioning lists of species for some, as well as a general description of three different stretches of the river on the Portuguese side. In Spain the conservation and recovery of aquatic ecosystems is an explicit objective mentioned in the basin plan for the Tagus. Particular mention is made of the establishment of minimum ecological discharge limits, the battle against pollution, and the preservation of river bank areas. Tagus River | river, Iberian Peninsula | Britannica.com river, Iberian Peninsula river Tagus River, Portuguese Rio Tejo, Spanish Río Tajo, longest waterway of the Iberian Peninsula . It rises in the Sierra de Albarracín of eastern Spain , at a point about 90 miles (150 km) from the Mediterranean coast, and flows westward across Spain and Portugal for 626 miles (1,007 km) to empty into the Atlantic Ocean near Lisbon . Its drainage basin of 31,505 square miles (81,600 square km) is only exceeded on the peninsula by that of the Ebro River , to the northeast.

The Tagus covers the heart of Portugal and Spain and has been of vital importance to the modern economic development of the two nations. Tagus River, Port. Okamok The upper Tagus cuts into limestone rocks and flows generally southwestward through narrow, sinuous valleys with deep canyons and abundant ravines. Near Trillo (Guadalajara province) it runs more peacefully, and just before the town of Bolarque it is held back by the dams of Entrepeñas and Buendía, forming an artificial lake known as the Sea of Castile, which covers an area of 51 square miles (132 square km). Again flowing southwestward, the river irrigates the fertile lands of Aranjuez and the areas around Toledo and Talavera de la Reina until it reaches the province of Cáceres. Here it again flows through narrow, steep-edged trenches formed by quartzites and shales. At Puente de Alcántara another dam on the river has formed one of the greatest man-made lakes in Europe , with a length of 57 miles (92 km).

Less than 10 miles (16 km) downstream the river becomes the frontier between Spain and Portugal for 27 miles (43 km). It enters Portugal at Beira and the Sierra de Carbajo, then crosses the fertile region of Abrantes. After flowing across Portugal for 111 miles (179 km), it forms at Vila Franca de Xira the Tagus (or Lisbon) estuary, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Toledo is the only large Spanish city that lies along the river, which flows past the cities of Santarém and Lisbon in Portugal and supplies the latter with a fine natural harbour. Only the lower portion of the river is used for navigation of any importance. Similar Topics River Tagus | Article about River Tagus by The Free Dictionary River Tagus | Article about River Tagus by The Free Dictionary Related to River Tagus: Rio Tejo , Tajo River Tagus (tā`gəs), Span. Tajo, Port. Tejo, river, c.585 mi (940 km) long, rising in the mountains E of Madrid, E Spain, and draining the central part of the Iberian Peninsula.

The Tagus flows northwest through the mountains, past Teruel, then north across the Meseta of central Spain, past Toledo, to form part of the Spanish-Portuguese border. Entering Portugal, it flows southwest, past Santarém and into the Atlantic Ocean at Lisbon. The estuary of the Tagus (12 mi/19 km long) is one of Europe's finest harbors; one of the longest suspension bridges in Europe, the Ponte 25 de Abril, spans the estuary. The Tagus is navigable for c.80 mi (130 km) upstream. Its lower and upper courses pass through deep gorges and are broken by waterfalls. Many dams and reservoirs have been built on the Tagus and its tributaries to generate hydroelectric power and provide water for irrigation. There have been efforts to reforest the land surrounding the river. The chief tributaries of the Tagus are the Alagón and Jarama rivers. Tagus (Spanish, Tajo; Portuguese, Tejo), a river in Spain and Portugal.

The longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, the Tagus is 1,010 km long and drains an area of 81,000 sq km. It originates in the Montes Universales and crosses the New Castile plateau from east to west and, in its lower course, the Portuguese lowland. It empties into the Atlantic Ocean, forming an estuary 45 km long. In the upper and middle courses, the valley is narrow and there are numerous rapids; in the lower course, the valley is wide and the river channel has caved in in places. The river is fed primarily by rain; there is high water from November through March and low water in summer. The mean flow rate at Alcántara, near the Spanish and Portuguese border, is 438 cu m per sec. The Tagus and its tributaries are used for irrigation and hydroelectric power. There are several reservoirs with hydroelectric power plants on the river, including Buendía, Valdecañas de Tajo, and Alcántara in Spain.

The river is navigable to Santarém (Portugal) for oceangoing vessels and to Abrantes (Portugal) for other vessels, a distance of 185 km from the mouth. The cities of Toledo (Spain) and Santarém are on the Tagus, and Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is on the estuary. Tagus a river in SW Europe, rising in E central Spain and flowing west to the border with Portugal, then southwest to the Atlantic at Lisbon: the longest river of the Iberian Peninsula. Length: 1007 km (626 miles) The Tagus River in Toledo, Spain The Tagus River in Toledo, Spain Category: Toledo Are you planning a family vacation or short romantic getaway to the picturesque city of Toledo, the capital city of the Province of Toledo in beautiful central Spain? Do you need some ideas regarding some of the things to do and see while visiting the city? The city of Toledo, which is also now the capital of the Autonomous Community of Castile-La Mancha, is one of the most oft-visited cities in Spain.

Its historical significance as a major city during the Roman, Visigoth, Muslim, and Christian eras is reflected in the abundance of commemorative monuments and ancient structures that still dot its breathtaking cityscape, making it a true tourist favorite for those interested in ancient Spanish and European history. It is also one of the main cultural hubs of Spain, largely due to the confluence of Muslim, Jewish and Christian groups that once resided there in relative tranquility, earning it, in 1986, the designation of “World Heritage Site” by the United Nations commission on history and culture (UNESCO). While much has been written about Toledo’s historical structures and cultural landmarks (and for good reason), you may be surprised to learn that the city is also quite striking from a natural standpoint, allowing tourists to take a much-needed break from the busy streets of the city’s historical district and relax quietly in its beautiful, albeit lesser-talked-about countryside. As you arrive in Toledo, one of the first sights you’ll notice is the winding El Rio Tajo, Spanish for the Tagus River, which surrounds the city on three sides—much like a moat would surround an ancient castle.

It is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula, and although it winds through parts of Spain and Portugal, Toledo is the largest Spanish city on its banks. The city depends on the Tagus River for its water and power and as a recreational source, not to mention the added beauty and allure it adds to the city in general. Along the banks of the Tagus River, where it enters and exits the city, are the upper and lower fertile valleys, known respectively as the Vega Alta and Vega Baja. The interrelationship between the countryside and the Toledo cityscape create a remarkable landscape, one that has been referred to often in the works of the great Spanish authors Cervantes, Tirso de Molina and many others. These lush panoramas have also been featured on the canvases of many celebrated painters, including Sorolla, Zuloaga, Beruete, Jose and Enrique Vera, Arredondo and, of course, El Greco, Toledo’s most famous former resident, whose works are featured in many of the city’s churches and museums, including a museum that bears his name. The natural beauty of the meandering banks of the Tagus, coupled with the important built heritage, has given an enduring character to Toledo’s landscape.

The Vega Alta is home to remains dating back to the Paleolithic, Roman, Muslim and Medieval eras, while the Vega Baja is a valley of great religious significance for both Toledo and Spain—the patron saint of Toledo, Leocadiac, is buried here. Vega Baja also contains a profusion of archaeological zones, featuring Roman Villas with rich mosaics, a circus dating back to the Roman era, a theater, basilica, and even a Visigoth royal city. The natural landscape of Toledo was included with the city itself when it was named a World Heritage Site in 1986. Today, however, with development planned on its riverbanks consisting of 7,000 new housing units and more than 2 million square feet of large-scale facilities, many feel these landscapes are being threatened, further deepening the complex tension between the notions of urban growth and natural, historical and cultural preservation. The country of Spain is home to some 1,800 rivers, although many of these remain dry for a large part of the year. The Tagus River is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula, flowing year round in parts of Spain and Portugal.

Its source is the Fuente Garcia, located in the Albarracin Mountains of Aragon, Spain. From there the Tagus flows 626 miles, ultimately ending up at the Atlantic Ocean in Lisbon, Portugal. The Tagus River is one of four major rivers in Spain, the others being the Duero, Guadalquivir and Ebro Rivers, the latter of which is the largest river in the Iberian Peninsula in terms of water discharge volume. The course of the Tagus takes it through very few cities in Spain, a reflection of the rugged mountainous terrain and arid soil of the areas through which it flows. The river is navigable only on the Portuguese side, where it provides the city of Lisbon with its exceptional natural harbor. Toledo, Spain, located some 43 miles from Madrid, is the largest city on the banks of the great Tagus River. Tourists know the river for the beautiful background it supplies for this historic city, but what they may not know is its importance as a water and power source, not merely for Toledo’s 75,000+ residents, but for many other regions as well.

The Metropolises of Greater Madrid and Greater Lisbon, the capitals of Spain and Portugal, respectively, rely heavily on the Tagus River for their water supply, despite the fact that Madrid is not even situated on the river. Madrid is, however, located on the banks of the Rio Manzanares which, after it flows through the Spanish capital, joins the River Jarama, a tributary of the Tagus. Both of these rivers have their confluence in the city of Aranjuez. A number of large dams have been built on the upper Tagus River (also known as the Spanish Tagus), dams that generate hydroelectric power as well as irrigation water. The largest of these dams are the Alacantra, Valdecanas and Torrejon, all of which create massive reservoirs and help to regulate the flow of the river to the benefit of the Spanish people. During the late 1960s, under the direction of the dictator, General Franco, a number of water transfer projects were begun in an effort to irrigate the arid Spanish interior. Sadly, the result of these projects led to insufficient water volumes and a measurable increase in pollution from the transfer plants.

Similar problems occurred downstream and into Portugal, leading to friction between the two countries in the years that followed these projects. To address this discord, both Spain and Portugal entered into and signed the Albuferia Convention, an agreement designed to endorse cooperation in the regulation of waterways shared by both countries, including the Tagus River. Lisbon Region Lisbon Region Algarve LISBON REGION The central focus of this region is the Tagus, the largest river of the Iberian Peninsula. Lisbon is the European capital that lies at the mouth of the Tagus. The river flows down an immense plain, called Lezíria, which follows the river’s path in a region named Ribatejo. Southbound, the plain becomes less and less humid and slightly hillier. Up north, however, there is a mountain range called Montejunto, Aires. To the north of Lisbon others are also found, which make the river slowly wind. The most important city in Ribatejo is Santarém, the Gothic capital of Portugal. The entire riparian zone of the Tagus is very appealing, considering that such a large river runs through it. The Setúbal Peninsula is situated at the mouth of the river Sado.

It comprises a wonderful natural park, Arrábida, with limestone hills and characteristic Mediterranean vegetation. There is also an uninterrupted passageway that travels up Caparica beach to the Cabo Espichel cliffs, where you come across a large expansion of pine trees. Adjacent to the city of Lisbon, there are two major villages: Cascais and Sintra. The latter is a unique place, with its humid, misty climate and its breathtaking mansions peeking over the woods below. To the north of Lisbon is the “saloio” region, the Portuguese Estremadura, which is littered with cliffs, beaches, and pockets of interesting small towns. The local economy is made up of agricultural and the services sectors. The coastline around Lisbon provides the perfect conditions for watersports such as surfing and windsurfing. However, sometimes the sea can be excitingly unpredictable and dramatic. Lisbon airport is serviced by a well-developed road and rail network which links the airport to the rest of the country. What not many people know, however, is that an average year’s rainfall in Lisbon is practically the same as in London. The only difference is that in London it rains all year long and in Lisbon it’s just once in a while.

But when it does rain, it rains cats and dogs!

Question: Through which European capital city does the River Tagus flow?
Answer: Lisbon